In October 2010, there was an industrial spill when a sludge reservoir at the Ajka aluminum plant burst its banks, killing at least four people and injuring more than 120.

"Think of it as cleaning up your industrial spill," Martya advised unsympathetically.

Continuous emissions from manufacturing is the largest contributor to lowered drinking quality across the People's Republic, but introduction of poorly treated sewage, industrial spills, and extensive use of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides have proven to be major contributors as well.

In Connecticut, an E.M.S. plan designed to cope with a highway or industrial disaster, such as the recent industrial "spill" in Gary, Ind., does not exist.

They point out that between 1998 and 1999 there were 1,800 to 2,000 in the state reported industrial and commercial spills and that the number of contaminated wells in the state is steadily increasing.

Farming, wastewater treatment facilities and industrial spills are cited as contributing factors to loss of water quality.

He said the product, which has been used mostly for small industrial spills, can be burned or buried in landfills.